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The "Old War Index to Pension Files, 1815-1926" (NARA T316) consists of index cards to pension files dated from 1815-1926. They relate mainly to pensions based on death or disability incurred in service between the years of 1816-1861. The national archives catalog describes the records as relating to service between 1783-1861, however.

The cards primarily cover Regular Army soldiers and Navy personnel, however, volunteer soldiers are often included in this index. A large number of Mexican War (1846-1848) soldiers are included. Civil War soldiers are usually only included if they had served prior to the war.

Content of the Records:

Name

Name and class of dependent

Service (rank, date enlisted, date discharged,regiment and company, name of war - If Navy,the name of the ship he served on may be in parentheses)